Raptors' Lowry to miss pre-season games vs. Hornets for load management

December 12, 2020 - 6:59pm

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse talked about Kyle Lowry's absence this pre-season and that the reason is load management and knowing what Lowry already brings while giving a chance to see what he has with newer players in pre-season play.

The Toronto Raptors will be without Kyle Lowry for their two pre-season games against the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced Saturday.

“Kyle Lowry was granted permission to remain in Tampa, and did not travel to Charlotte with the team for our two pre-season games vs. the Hornets,” the team said in a statement.

Later Saturday, coach Nick Nurse told reporters that the 34-year-old point guard’s absence is “basically for load management.”

Nurse says Kyle isn't with the team on this Charlotte trip, "basically for load management."

— Steven Loung (@loung_s) December 12, 2020

Nick Nurse says Kyle Lowry is in "fantastic shape" and has no conditioning worries about him. Sounds like he wants to preserve him because of his age.

Nurse adds that there are "no concerns about him at all."

— Steven Loung (@loung_s) December 12, 2020

Toronto kicks off its 2020-21 pre-season schedule against the Hornets on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet. Their second tilt is slated for Monday.

The Raptors’ third and final exhibition tune-up is scheduled for Dec. 18 against the Miami Heat.

The team opens the regular season on Dec. 23 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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